Bath Iron Works Delivers DDG-1000 to Navy

The Navy on Friday accepted delivery of the first in a class of futuristic destroyers, the future USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000).

The ship, built by General Dynamics [GD] Bath Iron Works (BIW), brings together a variety of new technologies and design features, including an integrated power system that can distribute varying levels of power to the propulsion, weapons and shipboard systems. The 610-foot tumblehome hull was created to minimize the radar cross section of the ship, making it stealthier.

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of DDG 1000, the future USS Zumwalt destroyer May 20. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

Its weapons include the Advanced Gun System, which can fire Long-Range Attack Projectiles with a range of 63 nautical miles, and 80 advanced vertical launch cells that can fire Tomahawk missiles, the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Standard Missiles and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets.

“Today represents a significant achievement for not only the DDG-1000 program and shipbuilding team but for the entire U.S. Navy,” said Rear Adm. Jim Downey, DDG-1000 program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. “This impressive ship incorporates a new design alongside the integration of sophisticated new technologies that will lead the Navy into the next generation of capabilities.”

Following delivery, BIW will certify the ship’s crew, the Navy said in a news release.

“Zumwalt's crew has diligently trained for months in preparation of this day and they are ready and excited to take charge of this ship on behalf of the U.S. Navy," said Capt. James Kirk, DDG-1000’s commanding officer.

The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in Baltimore during an Oct. 15 ceremony, the Navy said in a news release Then the Zumwalt will sail to its San Diego homeport, where its mission systems will be activated and it will undergo a post delivery availability.

The service completed acceptance trials for DDG-1000 last month. During that time, its shipboard systems such as navigation, propulsion readiness, auxiliary systems, habitability, fire protection and damage control were all tested by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

Before that, the ship underwent two rounds of builder’s trials. In its first voyage at sea, DDG-1000 was called to assist the rescue of a fisherman who was undergoing a medical emergency.

Two other Zumwalt-class destroyers—the future Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) and Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002)—are currently under construction.